The #1 mistake most people make isn't not training enough, it's over training. You'll be sore and tired all the time and generally miserable at best- at worst, you'll injure yourself. His best tip? Go to a running store and let them recommend some shoes and be prepared to spend $125 or so. Yeah, it's a lot and it's sucks, but it's well worth it. My last suggestion- keep running as gadget free as possible - phone and ear buds, check. Shoes, check. Some clothes your comfortable in and experimenting with for different weather conditions, and that's about it. Fancy water bottles and belts, compression sleeves, custom orthotics, etc- I only recommend trying that stuff if you think there's a need for it as you gain experiencing with running. I only say this because I've done it and tried it. One of the best parts of the sport of running is the freedom from just about everything- freedom from interruptions, from frustration, from your friends and family, from your job- a chance to just think about nothing and let your body and mind come together in a way few other activities can accomplish. As far as actual race day goes, be prepared to sleep like shit- I don't think I've ever gotten more than 4 hours of sleep. It doesn't matter. Your training and excitement will get you through it, I promise. When the race starts, just let it all go and enjoy the moment.

I went out slow and steady for the first time in a decade… collapsed at mile 4… literally saw stars and before I knew it I was taking an involuntary “nap” in the grass on the side of the road. This is gonna be a long journey to my first marathon 😓😅

Note to self: Leafy green, spinach, kale, beetroot juice. Train hard, Rest hard, active rest. Good pair of shoes and compression socks.

I want to train for the LA marathon next year. I started with 5ks and I ran my first half marathon last September, it was the most difficult/amazing thing I’ve ever accomplished.

I started with 5 miles than 8 miles, 10 miles which i thought was a huge accomplisment. I then enlisted myself in a hapf marathon run and now im training for a marathon!!!!

Ran 10 miles in 1:18:45 on the 28th of December trained since August, completed my first half in 1:57:37 this November.

I am doing my second Half-Ironman this year, but next year want to push to a full marathon and hopefully build towards a full Ironman.

I walked the last 9 miles of my first marathon, I intend to run the whole off next one in Lochness 🥵

I did my first 25k (15.5miles) today and in 4 months I want to do my first (half-) marathon race together with my mom who has been running marathons for years. Still unsure what I am going to sign up for, but I am excited! ❤️

Ahh I just agreed to a half marathon (and that is huge to me because I do not run.. like ever) but this is perfect! Thanks Alex, super inspiring! ❤️

Hey man, yeah totally training towards a half marathon at the moment. There’s another piece of interesting history about the Marathon. After the Athenians won the battle of Marathon, they found out that Athens was being invaded so the soldiers that were left ran the 25 miles back to Athens in full armor to defend the city of Athens. Pretty crazy what the human body is capable of with the right training. Thanks for the tips man. Great video.

Ran my first half marathon last month in 90 minutes, Going to do the Hartford marathon in October only a few days after my 40th birthday. Hoping to get under 3:10:00 and to qualify for Boston Marathon.

Who’s here prepping for a marathon in 2022?

This was so encouraging!! I signed up for my first marathon last night, slated for Sept 4th of this year...I’m really looking forward to the mental and emotional effects this will have on me, the accomplishment alone is going to mean SO much 💫

Ran a marathon in 2011 without training … done many half marathons without training as well … I am planing to do another one in 12/2021 … I want to do it the right way … thank you for the tips 👍🏼

Doing the Chicago marathon! It’s my first one and I’m so pumped

I ran my very first half-marathon this weekend and it was a-m-a-z-i-n-g! After getting my certificate of completion for this first milestone, I am definitely setting my sights on doing a full marathon next month. I am super excited about this and I found your video incredibly helpful! Thank you so much for providing the historical background--makes it so much more exciting and epic!--and for sharing footage of your first marathon. Thank you so much!! And best of wishes on all your upcoming races too!

Hey, your friendly Exercise Science college nerd here. Almost have my bachelors and learned a lot about exercise science in the military. You mentioned a common misconception about muscle soreness and that it is caused by lactic acid build up in the muscles and that’s why you should foam roll. This is actually not true and it is caused by something called DOMS (delayed onset muscle syndrome). Lactic acid does build up during exercise but only for a very brief amount of time and then your levels return to normal very quickly. Just thought I’d throw that out there so you’re not misled. However, it is true that foam rolls helps with recovery and promoting the return of oxygenated blood to the muscles. Thanks for sharing your experience though. I’ll be running my first marathon in February myself so thanks for taking the time to make this video.

The first part was actually interesting. I would love to hear more about the history of ultra athletes/running

Have you ever thought about running a marathon? Let me know in the comment what your thoughts are, what your fears are, and whether or not you're going to take up the challenge in 2020!

My biggest advice is to skip the half marathon and just go for the full monty. If you are able to push yourself to run 13.1 miles, you can definitely run 26.2, it is 99% mental. I was in the worst shape of my life (33, pulled hamstring, bad knees) and i ran my first marathon a few months ago. I only went on 10 training runs leading up to the marathon, so i was definitely dieing during the race but i am glad i got the big one out of the way. Next year i will probably run the half

Thank you for those tips. I signed up for the San Diego Rock N’ Roll marathon oct 24th. I ran the half marathon in 2019 now that it’s back up and running this will be my first official Full marathon. I also really enjoyed the brief history lesson on marathons that was cool 😎

This is the kind of motivation I like to see. I signed up for my first marathon for December 2022. It is the California International. I used to be a runner back in the military days but I am now 45 and will be 46 on race day. Sucks to put it out 11 months but it is the only legit marathon in my area. I just did maximal testing at the VA hospital labs - echos, ultrasounds, 7 day telemetry and a gnar 12 lead EKG stress test. Max heart rate certified at 181. No cardiac issues. I am cleared to boogie and STOKED!!

I'll be running a marathon in 2 months, can't wait to run!

Hydrate, electrolytes, you're stronger than you know, KEEP GOING!

Just today I was thinking about running a half marathon in April but I wasn’t sure that I can prepare.And on KZfaq I saw you made a video about it!Thank you for the tips and the great videos on your channels!

Planning on running a marathon in 3 weeks. Haven’t started training yet, don’t have super long distance history, and will definitely struggle but I know it’ll be a challenge and that’s the appeal for me. It’ll be the most challenging thing I’ve ever done but I know I will do it

Giving birth in 2 months from now. Planning to run the Disney world marathon January 2021!

I’m running my first half marathon in March but would one day love to be able to have a go at running a full one

Running my First Ever Marathon within 36 hours from now. Heartland Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k and Marathon Relay. Sunday September 26th, 2021. 7am Sharp. It will be an automatic PR hence first time.

I jus signed up for my first marathon and I’m excited. I’ve never done a 5k race or 10k race or half marathon. But I’ve ran consistently the past couple months and I’m believing for the best. Deff nervous, excited, and all the feels! 26.2 here I come!! Thank you for the video, encouragement, realness and all the info. Just keep going and running 🏃

LA marathon March 20th. (Currently March 9th) Let’s do this !!🤙

Compression socks saved my life dude i had shin splints aaaall the time and could not get rid of them but compression socks made it 5-10 times better.

Beetroot increases Hemoglobin which increases blood which increases stamina.

"That's because running 26.2 miles isn't really all that fun." Lol!😂 Great video from the perspective of a regular person setting a realistic goal to finish a marathon. It has me thinking now about it, but maybe starting out with a 10K run, nothing too extreme. Great practical advice, too

Thank you for the video! I have completed my second half-marathon and will have 6 months to prepare for a full marathon. Your tips are valuable for me!

I’ll be turning 31 later just month, I never really had a desire to do one until lately. Great tips

Training for a 1/2 right now, hoping to run a full Marathon by the end of the year :) Thanks for the tips!

Running my first Marathon in October! I’m running the Detroit Free Press Marathon.

That was AWESOME! Sharing this with my running partner. Great tips. We are running our first full marathon at CIM if it doesn’t get cancelled😩 fingers crossed! Thanks, fantastic video

Running my first Marathon on Valentine's day . Fort Lauderdale, FL. Thanks for the tips and tricks. I'll be remembering these on it.

Running my first Marathon on Valentine's day 😁😁. Fort Lauderdale, FL. Thanks for the tips and tricks. I'll be remembering these on it.

Thank you for this video Alex. It is very much needed- I am running my first marathon for charity next year. Started training slightly less than two months ago and already see a good progress. Good luck!

I love your video!!! Very inspirational I'm running the NYC Marathon Your video definitely helped

I’m running one tomorrow. Thanks for the tips. 26.2 🏃‍♂️

I started training for my first marathon and it was cancelled due to COVID. I have maintained my training and will run it on my own! Your tips are very good, however I will say that I have been training in VIVO barefoot shoes and while its more difficult than more comfortable shoes, its very satisfying and really strengthens your feet and form! Also, ice baths baby!

Marathon is 42.195 KM- not in miles. It is europe event.

I’m gonna run my first half marathon next april

Started running in March, I can now do 10k, I’m going to do a half marathon training plan from September with a view to doing a full marathon in April!

I’ve been running 10 miles a day for the last 4 months and really love running actually, I’m really hoping to do a Marathon in the future!

Thank u for sharing ur story - I’m getting ready to run my first marathon

I am training for my first marathon that is set to be in January! I hope it actually happens but this video definitely gives me motivation every time i watch it! Thanks so much for the tips!

My first Marathon: Was only running for fun and without proper training. The night before the big run i was at my friends house for his birthday. We drank some alcohol, and stayed up till 4 am. At 7 am the run started. I haven't been sleeping at all that night, and just arrived after the last runners left the starting area and hopped in. My time was 4:05 hours, and THIS was certainly not healthy. Learned from my mistakes ...

This video is so inspiring! Thank you so much for making it.

As a busy dad with a career, 5 and 7 year olds with 2 active dogs, would you recommend training with a BOB Stroller?

Tomorrow's my First Marathon Wish me Luck😶‍🌫️

I have been training to run a marathon. I want to run the Philadelphia Marathon 2022. I just ran my first 5K race this month. And plan to run a couple more and work my way up to a half.

I have run two half marathons, contemplating my first marathon, thanks for the good info.

Giving myself 7 yrs ,I will be 60 and want to get under 4 hrs ,but am doing an overall body prog ,strength etc, have been fairly consistent last 4 yrs/ lots of benefits mostly cut out processed food ,mentally I see a joyous future ,being genuinely strong and fit in my pension years /

Thanks, man. Just signed up to a half marathon (21km) it's my first marathon! Again .. appreciate the video!

Great tips!! Mindset I've heard is so key. Especially once you hit that halfway point.

The Running shoes was the life saver… I had sever ankle pain every time I ran 10+ miles. When I got a the No Bull runners, it vanished

I'm a new sub and I really enjoy your content! Very good advice! Looking forward to new videos bud!

Great video! I doing a marathon in April. I agree to all your training tips! It's months away but I'm already so nervous. Thank for making the video! A lot of encouragement!

6:33 When id do my cycling training 1 hour in or after was typically when I felt the need for calories and it helped. You mentioned 10 miles which idk what pace that is for you but I’d assume at 6min fastest being an hour or if slower than later.

I just signed up for the LA marathon 2023. I’m so nervous, ty for the tips

Super helpful, thanks so much!

I thaught I was the only one having insane cravings for food at around 6 miles lol..... just a bit eof something to gets u keep goin!

wow great video man! very helpfull! keep up the good work!

Thank you very much Alex.

Doing my first marathon in June in my home city of Cork. I'm fit enough but running hasn't been a strong point but it's something I'm gonna address ik the lead up to the June 4th race day! As ambitious as it's going to sound, I'm aiming for sub 3 hours for the 42 km course but as Goggins always puts it; "Why train for a half marathon when you cam do a full one?!" Thanks for the advice bud and I'm buzzing for June 4th!!

love this, thanks for the video !!

nice New Zealand Tatt on ur leg haha, Watching from NZ about to run my first half in 3 weeks

Thanks alex it really helps

Yes i did sign up on my first marathon. Am excited and afraid too. but as i watched your video, boost my confidence to go through. Thankyou for the inspiration❤️

Great video! I have my first marathon coming up in October 2021. Excited and nervous haha

Its quite easy actually, whenever you feel like quitting, think about WHOS GONNA CARRY THE BOATS? AND THE LOGS? And keep running

Stretch and cross train including resistance training. Eat enough.

Training for my first marathon in November...(New York city! Eep!) Lots of good tips :) Thanks!

WOW CONGRATS BRO. AWESOME FEELING

MY tip is get comfortable with being uncomfortable. How do you do that well youll learn from your first marathon its kinda hard to explain. Mile 18 the mind games start

I am signing up in September to run the Buffalo marathon in May of 2021! I guess my main fear is my mind taking over and telling my body that I cannot finish. My dad has run two marathons, so I know I'll have a great coach and support system :)

Great advice! Thank you for this video.

Giving myself 8 years will be 60 years aiming for under 4 hrs ,2 years in ,got the training routine going to cross train cycling ,running ,swimming ,actually managed to stop eating processed food feel the benefits ,

I told my followers on strava ill run marathon if i get 1000 kudos... i got 1600, sooo im here

I'm actually planning on running a half marathon in December this year. I'm really nervous about it, but i'm up for the challenge

I ran my first marathon at 16 and I know I can do it at 55 wish me luck

I did my first marathon when i was 11 it was 3 kilometers and it was so fun but yeah tiring too but i troed and tried and finisbed it

I'm always "just" the travel planner and mobile support for my husband and I always get envious of all the runners when marathon day comes. Finally decided to at least get in on all the excitement by applying for the NY marathon thinking there's no way someone with zero running experience and also the most unathletic person would ever get a spot. I'm an idiot. The LA heat and humidity has been brutal. I've only gone 14 miles so far (run-walk but more the latter of course) and only 11 miles split in 2 sessions in one day over the last week or so during triple digit temps. I am still unsure of when to take gels. I have over 7 weeks left and I'm still as fast as a turtle...with a broken leg. I just want to finish without dying or hating life forever.

"Don't plan it to long away" my New Year resolution of 2024 was to run a marathon in June 2025 😂 About one month away from my first 10km race and my first half marathon is in September.

Thank you for the vid! Plan on running my first one in December!

Thenks for the video ıve about 5 months to my first marathon ı hope ill see the finish 💃🏼

Most important , you have to drink magnesium every day, best is before sleep . and also buy quality whey protien powder drink it daily and after every workout .

Thanks!! My first marathon is in 38 daaaayssssss!!!

Make sure to bring your energy supplements with you when you train! Good to get into a routine and know at which miles on the course to re-up! I use GU Energy at every 5 miles & it’s so important to drink enough water early on (usually at mile 3) to avoid the climb back to hydration. Just my 2 cents 😃

This video was so good. I’ve signed up for the London marathon in October 😊 wish me luck

Great video Alex ! I have signed up for my forst ever maratjon,Cayman Island Marathon on December. It is going to be tough and Im kinda afraid and nervous thinking about it !

I just signed up for 2024 La Marathon. Not gonna lie, I’m crapping bricks. Lol.

I am running my first marathon next weekend.

training for the north korean marathon next April. Who is in ?